Voice Training Isn’t Just About Dysphoria: Here’s Why
Feb 27, 2025
Think trans voice training is just about managing dysphoria? Think again! Voice practices can help with so much more—whether you realize it or not.
In this post, we’re diving into five reasons to try voice training that go beyond the common assumption that it’s only for dysphoria. You’ll see how voice work can help with everything from gender expression to confidence—and even just having fun.
If you’d rather watch than read, check out the video below. Or, keep scrolling to explore all five reasons in detail!
1. Managing Voice Dysphoria
Let’s start with the most common reason people voice train: voice dysphoria. This is when your voice feels out of sync with your inner sense of gender.
For example, you might feel a disconnect when you hear your voice played back, or perhaps speaking creates a sense of distress because your voice feels wrong in your body.
Voice training can help bridge that gap, creating congruence between your voice and your gender identity. For many, this leads to gender euphoria—when your voice finally feels right.
But dysphoria doesn’t have to be dramatic to matter. Even low-level discomfort can make it hard to feel fully at home in your own skin. I’ve worked with students who didn’t even realize their voice was bothering them until they started training and felt the difference.
If that’s you, give yourself permission to explore. There’s no threshold of discomfort you have to meet before your feelings are valid.
2. Misgendering Relief and Comfort
What if you don’t feel dysphoric about your voice in a vacuum, but it’s causing problems in other areas? For some, their voice leads to being misgendered—like on the phone or in everyday life.
In this case, voice training can act like… a bra. (Yes, stay with me!)
One of my students put it perfectly: "I want my voice to be like a bra—something I can put on in the morning for support and comfort as I go about my day and then take off when I’m in a safe, relaxing space with people I love."
It’s not just about avoiding misgendering. It’s about creating a voice that makes you feel safe, confident, and supported—wherever you are.
And here’s a bonus: You don’t have to lock yourself into one voice forever.
Voice Switching: Yes, It’s Possible!
You can absolutely keep your old voice for situations where you’re not out yet, or simply for when it feels more comfortable. Think of it like switching between voices for different languages—or using your “professional voice” at work versus your personal voice with friends.
Voice training doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. It’s about giving you tools to use in the way that works best for you.
3. Gender Fluidity and Expression
If your gender is fluid or nonbinary, voice training can be a way to expand your options.
Let’s say you have femme days and masc days—or maybe you want a voice that feels androgynous no matter what. Why not design voices that match your different presentations?
It’s like building a wardrobe—except this one includes vocal fry, resonance, and inflection!
And yes, voice switching is a key tool here, too. You can develop multiple voices and use them in a way that feels authentic to you.
Multiple Voices: A Natural Skill
A lot of people wonder if it’s possible to have more than one voice. The answer is 100% yes. Most of us already do this naturally—think about the slightly different voice you might use with your boss versus your best friend. The same principle applies to gendered voices; it just takes intentional practice.
If the idea of multiple voices for your multiple genders excites you, check out my course, Mix & Match: Designing Your Nonbinary Voice. It’s designed to help you build a voice that’s as flexible, dynamic, and unique as your gender.
4. Gender Exploration
Sometimes, voice training isn’t about the destination—it’s about the journey.
Maybe you’re not sure if transitioning or gender nonconformity is right for you. You might already be experimenting with ways to express yourself, like trying nail polish, growing out your hair, or changing your wardrobe. Voice can be another part of that exploration.
Think of it as testing out a new possibility:
- “How does this voice make me feel?”
- “Does it help me express who I am?”
- “What does it teach me about my identity?”
You don’t need all the answers yet—voice work can help you figure them out.
Want some exercises to help you explore? Check out my video How to Pick a Voice That Feels Like YOU for practical tips.
5. Fun!
Last but not least, voice training can simply be fun.
You don’t need to overthink it. Playing with your voice—whether it’s making silly sounds, imitating characters, or singing—is a joyful, creative thing to do.
Think about when you were a kid and used your voice to make funny impressions or pretend to be a superhero. That instinct to play is still there, even as an adult. Voice training gives you the freedom to experiment and rediscover that playful side of yourself.
So go ahead—be the cringe you want to see in the world! To be cringe is to be free.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it—five reasons to engage in trans voice training: from dysphoria relief to misgendering comfort, to fluidity, exploration, and even just for fun.
Remember, voice training is a choice, not an obligation. If it feels right for you, it can open up incredible possibilities. If it’s not for you, that’s okay too.
Want to go deeper? Join my free webinar, where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about changing the gender of your voice. We’ll cover practical exercises and tips to help you sound like the authentic person you are.
That’s all for today, and I hope this helps.
— Renée 🦋
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